CN105916551A - Circuitry for charging a battery in an implantable medical device in accordance with historical parameters impacting battery capacity - Google Patents

Abstract

An algorithm programmed into the control circuitry of a rechargeable-battery Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed that can adjust the charging current (Ibat) provided to the rechargeable battery over time (e.g., the life of the IMD) in accordance with one or more of the parameters having an effect on rechargeable battery capacity, such as number of charging cycles, charging current, discharge depth, load current, and battery calendar age. The algorithm consults such parameters as stored over the history of the operation of the IMD in a parameter log, and in conjunction with a battery capacity database reflective of the effect of these parameters on battery capacity, estimates a change in the capacity of the battery, and adjust the charging current in one or both of trickle and active charging paths to slow the loss of battery capacity and extend the life of the IMD.

Description

For the battery in implantable medical device being carried out according to the history parameters affecting battery capacity The circuit of charging

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This application claims in U.S. Provisional Patent Application case 61/928,342 He that on January 16th, 2014 submits to The priority of 61/928,391.

Technical field

The present invention relates to implantable medical device field, particularly relate to a kind of electricity for implantable medical device Pond charging circuit.

Background technology

Electricity irritation is delivered to neural and tissue for the not normal treatment of various biologies by implanted stimulation apparatus, Such as, it is used for treating ARR pacemaker, for treating the Sirecard of cardiac fibrillation, is used for controlling Treat deaf cochlea activator, for treating blind retina activator, be used for producing coordination limb motion Muscle stimulators, for treating the spinal cord activator of chronic pain, for treating motion and mental disorder Cortex and deep brain activator and for treating other of urinary incontinence, sleep apnea, shoulder subluxation etc. Neuro stimulator.Following description typically will focus on present invention use in spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, E.g., as disclosed in United States Patent (USP) 6,516,227.But, present invention can be suitably applied to any implantable medical device Or any implantable medical device system.

SCS system generally includes in figs. 1 a and 1b with the type implanting pulse shown in plane graph and cross-sectional view Maker (IPG) 10.IPG 10 includes bio-compatible device housings 30, and it accommodates described IPG and runs Necessary circuit and battery 36.IPG 10 is via the one or more motor down-leads forming electrod-array 12 14 are coupled to electrode 16.Electrode 16 is configured to contact the tissue of patient and carried by flexible body 18, institute State flexible body 18 and also accommodate the single lead-in wire 20 being coupled to each electrode 16.Lead-in wire 20 is additionally coupled to proximal surface and touches Point 22, it can be inserted into the feedthrough connector 24 in the head 28 being fixed on IPG 10, wherein said head Can comprise, such as, epoxy resin.Once inserting, proximal surface contact 22 connects to head contact 26, described Head contact 26 is coupled to the circuit in shell 30 further through feedthrough pin 34 via shell feedthrough 32.

In the IPG 10 illustrated, 32 lead-in wire electrode (E1-E32) division four lead-in wire 14 it Between, the wherein head 28 feedthrough connector 24 containing 2x2 array.But, lead-in wire in IPG and electrode Quantity is that application is specific, therefore, it is possible to change.In SCS applies, contact conductor 14 typically implants trouble In person's spinal cord spinal dural near, and when using four lead-in wire IPG 10, these lead-in wires are generally at spinal dura mater Left and right sides in every side divide two.Proximal surface electrode 22 tunnelling patient tissue arrives IPG shell 30 institute The remote location implanted, such as, buttocks, it is coupled to feedthrough connector 24 at this point.In another example In, four lead-in wire IPG 10 can be additionally used in deep brain stimulation (DBS).It is being designed at the position straight needing stimulation In other IPG example grafted, IPG without lead-in wire, but can have the use occurred in IPG main body Electrode 16 in contact patient tissue.

As shown in the cross section of Figure 1B, IPG 10 includes: printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB) 40.It is electrically coupled to PCB's 40 is battery 36, and in this example, battery 36 is rechargeable；It is coupled to the end face of PCB Other circuit 50a and 50b with bottom surface；Telemetry coil 42, it is used for and peripheral control unit (not shown) Radio communication；Charge coil 44, it is for from the external charger 90 in order to recharge battery 36 (Fig. 2) wireless receiving magnetic charging field in；And feedthrough pin 34 (connecting not shown).If battery 36 For permanent and non-rechargeable, then without charge coil 44.(may be in JIUYUE in 2013 submission on the 13rd U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/877,871 finds about coil 42 and 44 and the outside that communicated The further detail below of equipment).

The battery management circuit 84 of the rechargeable battery 36 in IPG 10 is described in the U.S. owned together In one example of state's patent application publication case 2013/0023943 and shown in Figure 2.Rechargeable battery 36 can comprise lithium ion polymer battery, and when fully charged, it can provide the voltage (Vbat=of about 4.2 volts Vmax).But, other rechargeable battery chemistry can also be used for battery 36.

External charger 90 usually hand-held battery power supply unit, it generates magnetic non-data from coil 92 Modulation charging field 98 (such as, 80kHz).In IPG 10, front end charging circuit 96 and magnetic field 98 phase Meet, here by induced current in coil, charge coil 44 is encouraged.Including commutator and alternatively The commutator electricity of Zener diode (such as, being limited to 5.5V) is limited including filter capacitor and voltage-value Road 46 processes to set up voltage V1 (such as, < 5.5V) to induced current, by this voltage by anti-reverse Stream diode 48 is to generate D/C voltage Vdc.The transistor 102 being coupled to charge coil 44 can be by IPG 10 Be controlled (by control signal LSK) with during the generation in magnetic field 98 by load Shift Keying (Load Shift Keying) to external charger 90 return data, as is well known.

Thering is provided Vdc to battery management circuit 84, battery management circuit 84 is required together with the operation institute of IPG 10 Other circuit can be located on special IC (ASIC), wherein the operation of IPG 10 necessary other Circuit includes: current generating circuit (for providing specified current flow to selected (a bit) of electrode 16)； Telemetric circuit (for the data relevant to the telemetry coil 42 of Figure 1B are modulated and demodulate)；Various surveys Amount and generator circuit；System storage；Etc..Front end charging circuit 96 and battery 36 generally comprise: Chip outer (ASIC is outer) assembly, together with other electronic equipment in IPG 10, such as telemetry coil 42； The various DC being coupled to electrode 16 block capacitor (not shown)；Microcontroller 100, it can be by numeral Bus 88 communicates with ASIC (and battery management circuit 84)；And other group little with relation herein Part.In one example, microcontroller 100 can comprise Part Number MSP430, and it is by Texas Instruments manufactures, and is described in http://www.ti.com/lsds/ti/microcontroller/ 16-bit_msp430/overview.page？Tables of data at DCMP=MCU_other&HQS=msp430 In.ASIC can be as described in Patent Application Publication 2012/0095529.

Battery management circuit 84 in Fig. 2 is made up of two circuit blocks: charging circuit 80, and it is right that it is used for generating The electric current that battery 36 is charged；And load isolation circuit 82, it is for controllably connecting battery 36 Battery 36 is powered in the normal course of operation at IPG 10 load 75 or disconnect with it.Load 75 (in ASIC) circuit block (such as current generating circuit and aforesaid telemetric circuit) and core in chip can be comprised Off-chip (ASIC is outer) both assemblies (such as microcontroller 100).

As depicted, charging circuit 80, load isolation circuit 82 and battery 36 are generally of T-shaped topology, Wherein charging circuit 80 between front end charging circuit 96 (Vdc) and battery 36 positive terminal (Vbat) it Between, and load isolation circuit 82 is between Vbat and load 75.

Depend on that some conditions, load isolation circuit 82 are prevented from battery 36 (Vbat) to load (Vload) Power supply.Such as, if load 75 is just drawing at a relatively high electric current (as passed through disconnected by overcurrent sensing circuit 74 Determine as control signal OI indicates), if or Vbat too low (as passed through by undervoltage detection circuit 70 As concluding that control signal UV indicates), if or reed switch 78 indicate external magnetic field signal mu (example As, patient permitting that the existence of outside shutdown Magnet is in emergency circumstances), load 75 will be by switch 62 Or 64 from Vbat uncoupling, as assisted by OR-gate 76.If Vbat is too high, then also provide for discharge circuit 68 intentionally to consume battery 36.

The most relevant to present disclosure is charging circuit 80, and it starts from Vdc, i.e. front end charging circuit 96 D/C voltage generated in response to the magnetic field 98 of external charger 90.Vdc is divided into and is connected in Vdc in parallel And two paths in the charging circuit 80 between Vbat: trickle charge (trickle charging) path and Active charge (active charging) path, its any one can be used for providing charging to battery 36 (Vbat) Electric current (Ibat).

Trickle charge path is passive, i.e. it runs the control of uncontrolled signal, and except by Vdc Thered is provided generates outside the power of the charging current (Itrickle) of battery 36 without other power.As Shown in, trickle charge path presents Vdc to current-limiting resistor 50 and one or more diode 52, and uses In providing little charging current Itrickle to battery 36.When battery 36 significantly exhausts, i.e. if Vbat is less than Threshold value Vt1, such as 2.7V, use little trickle-charge current to be particularly effective.

In order to generate Itrickle, Vdc necessarily be greater than the voltage drop on resistor 50 and diode 52 and battery The voltage Vbat sum of 36.Under representative condition and assume to use three diodes 52 and 200 Europe Voltage drop on nurse resistor 50, resistor 50 and diode 52 would be about 2.0 volts.Therefore, if Vdc Greater than about 2.0V+Vbat, then Itrickle will be flow passively into battery 36.If being unsatisfactory for this condition, it refers to Show Vdc the least (perhaps because the coupling between external charger 90 and IPG 10 is poor), or Vbat is too High (it can work as appearance when battery 36 is gradually charged) diode 52 will prevent battery 36 from passing through tiny stream Current charge path reversely consumes.Itrickle is typically about 10 milliamperes.This is the least, this be because of If for receiving the highest charging current (Ibat), the rechargeable battery 36 significantly exhausted is likely to be broken, As is well known.

In fig. 2, active charge path proceeds to battery 36 from Vdc via current/voltage source 56, wherein Current/voltage source 56 is used for producing charging current Iactive.In the figure 2 example, active charge path also warp Cross the control for battery management circuit and protection measurer, including filling that combined charge amperometric 72 uses Electricity current-sense resistor 58, and combine overvoltage detector 66 use overvoltage protection switch 60, with Cell voltage Vbat beyond maximum (such as Vmax=4.2V) time by the open circuit of active charge path.

Fig. 3 A illustrates the circuit in the current/voltage source 56 in active charge path.As its name implies, Source 56 can be controlled to during active charge provide constant current or constant voltage to battery 36.Source 56 Comprising the current mirror being made up of P-channel transistor 104 and 106, it is powered by Vdc and receives by joining Examine the reference current Iref that current generator circuit 113 provides.Current mirror controls transistor 104 at electric current Mirror output transistor 106 reflects the expression of Iref to produce active charge electric current Iactive.Shown Example in, wired connection M output transistor 106 in parallel, therefore output transistor 106 is provided Electric current is equal to Iactive=M*Iref.It is also possible to use single broader output transistor 106 and (compare current reflection Mirror controls wide M times of transistor 104).

Control signal Itrim [2:0] can be passed through and adjust the reference current maker 113 for producing Iref, and Reference current maker 113 also comprises current mirror.Shown as, by system reference electric current I ' (such as, 100 NA) reflexing to transistor 116,118 and 120, it is each coupled in series to be controlled by Itrim control signal Gating transistor.Transistor 116,118 and 120 is preferably different width, or comprises varying number Parallel transistor, to provide the different contributions to Iref.Such as, Itrim0, Itrim1 and Itrim2 are depended on In which control signal be effective, transistor 116,118 and 120 can contribute respectively to Iref I ' * N, I ' * 2N and I ' * 4N, therefore allows Iref with increment I " * N changes to I ' * 7N from I ' * N.Volume can be used Outer Itrim control signal and extra current mirror output transistor (such as, 116-120) are broader In the range of and/or control Iref with less resolution.Adjust Iref in this way then by above-mentioned current reflection The operation of mirror transistor 104 and 106 adjusts Iactive.

Being sent control signal Itrim by source controller 86, wherein source controller 86 passes through number bus 88 with micro- Controller 100 communicates, therefore microcontroller 100 can control source controller 86 with then by Itrim and under Source 56 is controlled by other control signal that literary composition will be further discussed.

Source 56 is run to generate the pattern at charging current place and is depended on the cell voltage known to microcontroller 100 The value of Vbat.If battery 36 is significantly vented, i.e. Vbat < Vt1 (such as, 2.7), then microcontroller 100 order source controllers 86 disable source 56 (Ch_en=' 0 '), thus disconnect and enable transistor 108 and prevent Produce Iactive.Therefore, in this case, battery 36 can be only charged by trickle charge path, And it is just such when only existing when magnetic field 98 and Vdc and be sufficient.

If the upper threshold value Vt2 that Vbat>Vt1 but is below being further described below is (if i.e., Vt1 is<Vbat < Vt2), then source 56 is run with constant-current mode.In this mode, enable source 56 (Ch_en=' 1 '), Iactive is allowed to flow according to by Itrim control signal expression value.When source 56 is run with constant-current mode, Iactive is typically about 50 milliamperes.P-channel transistor 114 in active current path is at constant current mould In formula fully switched on, therefore allow Iactive no resistance flow to battery 36.

If Vbat > Vt2 (such as, 4.0V), then source 56 is run with constant-voltage mode.In this mode, Still conclude Ch_en and Itrim control signal.In this example, crossing of Vt2 threshold value and cutting of charge mode Change and do not rely on microcontroller 100, and the impact of the Vbat measuring circuit 111 being affected by source 56.At this Determining Vbat by high-impedance resistor ladder in circuit 111, wherein high-impedance resistor ladder produces instruction Vbat Voltage Va.Va and known band gap reference voltage Vref is compared by amplifier 112.Work as Va > During Vref, indicating Vbat > Vt2, amplifier 112 begins breaking transistor 114, and source 56 is with constant Voltage mode runs, and provides substantial constant voltage to the plus end of battery 36.In this mode, battery is worked as When the internal battery voltage of 36 increases, its internal resistance causes Iactive exponentially to decline, until Vbat Reach maximum Vmax (such as, 4.2V).Now, microcontroller 100 will be considered to the charging to battery 36 Complete, and will again conclude that Ch_en=' 0 ' is to cut down active charge further.(in addition, it is possible to disconnected Voltage switch 60).On the contrary, as Va < Vref, < during Vt2, amplifier 112 turns on P channel to instruction Vbat Transistor 114, and, source 56 is run with constant-current mode, as described above.Optionally, can use Control signal Vtrim carrys out trim voltage Va to be finely adjusted the resistance in the ladder substantially setting threshold value Vt2.

Fig. 3 B generally illustrate the operation of charging circuit 80 using the charging time of the meeting (charging session) as The function of time produce by serious drain battery 36 (i.e., wherein Vbat less than lower threshold value V (UV)= The charging current (Ibat) 2.0V) received is the trickle enabled by charging circuit 80 including the most aforementioned, constant Electric current and constant-voltage mode.Also illustrate that the representative value of the charging current of each in these patterns, and Capacity as the battery 36 shown in percent.

The battery management circuit 84 of Fig. 2 provides extra protection, such as, diode 54 is connected to trickle To prevent battery 36 from being leaked by overpressure switch 60 between charge path and active charge path, same as public Open case ' to be explained in 943.Therefore, diode 54 protects battery 36 not pass through over-voltage 60 by non-event Meaning ground electric discharge, especially when Vbat the most serious relatively low time and be therefore likely difficult to P channel crystal The grid of pipe 60 provides the highest voltage so that at inappropriate time when it disconnects.

Summary of the invention

The invention discloses a kind of circuit for armarium, comprise: rechargeable battery；Control circuit, It is configured to determine the capacity of described battery；And source circuit, it is configured to provide to described battery fill Electricity electric current, wherein said control circuit is configured to control described source circuit with battery capacity determined by basis Adjust the value of described battery charge.Described control circuit can comprise: memorizer, and it is configured to Store and the capacity of described rechargeable battery had at least one parameter influential, wherein said at least one Parameter is the group that choosing freedom one or more parameters relevant to the following form: battery previous charge, Armarium is in order to provide the age of the previously used for the treatment of and battery；And algorithm, wherein said control Circuit processed is configured to perform described algorithm to use at least one parameter described to determine the appearance of described battery Amount.

At least one parameter described can the time function store in which memory, or can be stored as supply The currency that described algorithm uses.At least one parameter described also can comprise from the previous charging at described battery Or the value calculated at least one other parameter of measuring of the previously used period of described armarium.

Can comprise to the parameter that previously charging is relevant of described rechargeable battery: the quantity in the time of the meeting of previously having charged, The voltage of battery when previously the charging time of the meeting starts, the voltage of battery at the end of the previously charging time of the meeting, previously charged The electric charge that theres is provided to battery during persistent period in the time of the meeting, the previously charging time of the meeting, comprise the previously charging time of the meeting and open Begin and at the end of the depth of discharge of cell voltage difference and the electricity that provides to battery during the previously charging time of the meeting Pond charging current.

To armarium in order to provide the previously used relevant parameter for the treatment of to comprise: previously used period can be again The load current that the voltage of rechargeable battery, previously used period pull out from battery, previously used period are from battery The electric charge that power, previously used persistent period and the previously used period of pull-out pulls out from battery.

Described circuit can further include: battery capacity data storehouse, and wherein said battery capacity data storehouse is by institute State at least one parameter to be associated with the change of battery capacity, and wherein said algorithm by described at least one The change of the capacity in parameter and battery capacity data storehouse is compared to determine the capacity of described battery.

Described algorithm is configured by generating for the one or more control signals controlling described source circuit Adjust the value of described battery charge.

Described memorizer can further include: each weight or priority at least one parameter, wherein Described algorithm is configured to use weight or the priority of at least one parameter described or both are to determine described electricity The capacity in pond.

Described source circuit can comprise: current mirror, and it is configured to produce according to the reference current received Battery charge.Described control circuit is configured by using the one or more control signal to adjust The value of whole described reference current adjusts the value of described battery charge.

Described circuit can further include: front-end circuit, and it is configured to when receiving wireless charging electric field raw Becoming D/C voltage, wherein said source circuit is to be powered by described D/C voltage.Described front-end circuit can wrap further Containing: coil, it is configured to by described wireless charging field excitation；And rectifier circuit, it is configured to D/C voltage is produced from described energized coil.

Described algorithm can be configured to if it is determined that the capacity of described rechargeable battery reduces then reduces described battery The value of charging current.

The invention also discloses a kind of for the rechargeable battery of the armarium such as aforementioned arrangements is carried out again The method of charging, it comprises: determine the capacity of described rechargeable battery；And, according to determined by can The capacity of storage battery adjusts the battery charge provided to described battery.It has been observed that can be according to described At least one parameter determines the capacity of described battery.Described method can receive wireless charging electric field further Shi Shengcheng D/C voltage, wherein said D/C voltage offer electric power is to provide described battery charge, described D/C voltage is to be generated by aforementioned front-end circuit.In the process, however, it is determined that the appearance of described rechargeable battery Amount reduces, then reduce the value of described battery charge, and described battery charge can be along actively filling Power path is generated by source circuit, wherein adjusts the amount of described battery charge by controlling described source circuit Value.Also can provide described battery charge along the passive trickle charge path comprising resistance to battery, wherein The value of described battery charge is adjusted by adjusting described resistance.The use longevity at described armarium Described method can be performed a plurality of times to adjust the value of described battery charge in Ming.

The invention also discloses a kind of alternative battery charger for armarium, comprise: can be again Rechargeable battery；Front-end circuit, it is configured to when receiving wireless charging electric field generate D/C voltage；Between institute Stating the passive trickle charge path between D/C voltage and described battery, it is configured to the first battery charged electrical Being streamed to described battery, wherein said trickle charge path comprises resistance；And control circuit, it is joined It is set to adjust described resistance.

Alternative control circuit can be further configured to perform algorithm, and wherein, described algorithm is configured to Determine the capacity of described rechargeable battery.Described algorithm can be further configured to battery determined by basis Capacity adjusts described resistance, and wherein said algorithm is configured to if it is determined that the capacity of described rechargeable battery subtracts Little, increase described resistance.Described circuit also can comprise and is configured to store depositing of at least one parameter as aforementioned Reservoir, wherein said algorithm is configured to use at least one parameter described to determine described rechargeable battery Capacity.It has been observed that described circuit also can comprise battery capacity data storehouse, wherein said algorithm by described extremely The change of the capacity in a few parameter and battery capacity data storehouse is compared to determine the appearance of described battery Amount.Described resistance can be made up of multiple resistor stages, and wherein said control circuit is configured to by by described Resistor stages is programmed for including or not included in adjusting described resistance in described resistance.Described resistor stages can Programmed devastatingly.Described trickle charge path from described D/C voltage to described battery just can further include At least one diode to bias.Described circuit can further include between described D/C voltage and described battery Between active charge path, it is configured to transmit the second battery charge, Qi Zhongsuo to described battery State active charge path and comprise the source circuit for generating described second battery charge further.When described When the voltage of battery is higher than threshold value, enable described source circuit to generate described second battery charge.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Figure 1A and 1B illustrates the rechargeable battery that has according to prior art with plane graph and cross-sectional view Type implanting pulse maker (IPG).

Fig. 2 illustrates the battery management circuit for rechargeable battery IPG according to prior art, and it includes Trickle charge path and active charge path.

Fig. 3 A illustrates the circuit in the current/voltage source in active current path according to prior art, and Fig. 3 B illustrates the battery charged electrical provided by trickle charge path and active charge path with the function of time The diagram of stream.

Fig. 4 illustrates the improvement battery management circuit according to one aspect of the invention, is particularly useful for according to shadow The history parameters ringing battery capacity adjusts the improvement charging circuit of trickle and active charge electric current.

Fig. 5 A illustrates the parameter daily record that the capacity according to one aspect of the invention is relevant；Fig. 5 B illustrates from described The parameter that the current capacities that daily record determines is relevant；And Fig. 5 C illustrates battery capacity data storehouse, it is for according to filling Electricity adjustment algorithm adjusts charging current.

Fig. 6 A and 6B illustrate that the charging adjustment algorithm according to one aspect of the invention used for adjusting tiny stream The circuit of the resistance in current charge path；Fig. 6 C to 6F illustrates the various sides that can be used for configuring adjustable resistance Formula.

Fig. 7 A-7D illustrates described charging adjustment algorithm in a flowchart.

Fig. 8 illustrates the difference that the different time in IPG service life according to one aspect of the invention occurs It is provided as the electricity of the function of time by trickle charge path and active charge path during the charging time of the meeting The diagram of pond charging current, and described charging adjustment algorithm adjusts the mode of these electric currents.

Detailed description of the invention

Inventors have realized that special parameter can in the service life of the implantable medical devices such as such as IPG shadow Ring rechargeable battery capacity, including baitery age (A) and be administered on rechargeable battery should The various parameters that power is relevant.These parameters can be relevant, such as to battery charging: it is secondary that battery has been recharged Number (Nc)；For the charging current (Ibat) that battery is recharged；Battery is recharged used Time (Tc), it can determine the total electrical charge (Cc) (Cc=Ibat*Tc) of battery receptacle by combined charge electric current； And depth of discharge, the cell voltage difference (Δ Vbat) of its instruction charging time of the meeting start to finish.These parameters Also can be relevant to the use of the battery for providing electric power to IMD, do not have battery charging the most wherein The conventional operation cycle in by load 75 electric currents (Iload) from battery lead or electric charge (Cu=Iload*Tu, Wherein Tu is equal to the use time).

These parameters tend to reduce in time the capacity of battery, because it constitutes the change in rechargeable battery Learn and physical change.Owing to battery capacity reduces in time, rechargeable battery is lost it the most at last can not It is electrically charged again so that IMD runs the point of notable time.This consumption of battery is serious, because its requirement Outer planting is performed the operation to remove IMD from patient, thus changes the rechargeable battery in IMD, or the most possible It is the new IMD providing to patient and there is new rechargeable battery.

The further seriousness of battery capacity loss is that rechargeable battery that capacity reduces is by easier quilt Exhaust, it is assumed that if its treatment stimulation programs always provided to patient according to IPG draws identical power. That is, Vbat is easier to be dropped to unaccommodated low level impact, or with when battery 36 is new Compare the most such.If Vbat serious drain, i.e. such as, if Vbat < 2.0V, then it is difficult to recover (again Charging) battery 36.Above with reference to combine in the application case 61/928,342 that disclosed technology uses This is described in further detail.

Present inventor have determined that and desirably adjust according to the parameter that said one or multiple capacity are relevant The battery charge (Ibat) that during the charging time of the meeting, the rechargeable battery in IMD provides, including with electric Parameter (such as, the Nc that pond charging is relevant；Ibat；Tc；Cc；Δ Vbat), battery use (such as, Iload) And/or baitery age (A).Can according to the battery daily record in the IMD recording these parameters in time (such as, Service life with IMD) carry out this adjustment to Ibat.

Specifically, the algorithm that can run in IMD is consulted and is stored in parameter daily record with the history run of IMD These parameters, and adjust Ibat (generally, by reduce Ibat) with slow down battery capacity in time Loss, it can extend the life-span of battery and IPG.This adjustment can be applicable to trickle-charge current, actively fills Electricity electric current or both.Although reduce Ibat can extend during the given charging time of the meeting battery is charged required Time, but to this potential inconvenience of patient for generally should for extending the benefit in battery/IPG life-span Being unessential, as mentioned, this requires the great inconvenience that IPG outer planting is performed the operation.

Fig. 4 illustrates changing of the implantable medical device with rechargeable battery 36 for such as IPG 10 grade Good charging circuit 180 and logic.Many assemblies are identical with prior art as shown in Figure 2, are therefore simple For the sake of no longer describe.

Difference is the improvement of Fig. 4.First, source controller 130 is changed, except controlling electric current/electricity Potential source 56, it also controls the adjustable resistance (Rtrickle) 140 in trickle charge path.Utilize electric charge pump 135 Assist this control to adjustable resistance 140.This new aspect of circuit will be carried out with reference to Fig. 6 A-Fig. 6 F Discuss.

Secondly, microcontroller 100 is programmed to perform charging adjustment algorithm 150.As will hereinafter be described in detail, This algorithm 150 is for being controlled by the source 56 (via bus 88 and source controller 130) in active charge path Battery processed charges, and controls trickle charge as necessary by being adjusted resistance 140.

Input to charging adjustment algorithm 150 is two data sets: parameter daily record 120 that capacity is relevant and Battery capacity data storehouse 122, it is shown in detail in Fig. 5 A-5C.In short, the parameter daily record that capacity is relevant 120 contain history parameters, and such as, the history parameters affecting battery capacity discussed above, including about IMD The past of 10 charges and uses and the data at age.Battery capacity data storehouse 122 comprises parameter and battery The data that capacity is associated.Preferably, this data base 122 by manufacturer based on it to parameter and spy on hand The understanding of the dependency determining rechargeable battery 36 is programmed.

Therefore, charging adjustment algorithm 150 looks back the history parameters relevant to the battery capacity in daily record 120, And in view of the dependency in data base 122 looks back these parameters, thus to keep battery capacity and to extend it The mode in life-span suitably adjusts within the life-span of IPG10 and controls battery charging.

Although the parameter daily record 120 that capacity is relevant and battery capacity data storehouse 122 are shown as being programmed into micro-control In the memorizer of device 100 processed, but it is alternatively located at microcontroller 100 outside and can generally be existed The charging adjustment algorithm 150 run in microcontroller 100 accesses.

Fig. 5 A illustrates an example of the parameter daily record 120 that capacity is relevant.At IMD 10 just it should be noted that Often may store some or all data in daily record 120 in running, therefore daily record 120 is only with side Just form illustrates the set of this data.For ease of observing, the relevant parameter daily record 120 of capacity by It is divided into portion of district 120c, 120u and 120a.

Portion of district 120c contain previously charging can interim acquirement or the history parameters of calculating, including the charging time of the meeting Quantity (Nc)；The charging time of the meeting start and at the end of the voltage (Vbat (i), Vbat (f)) of battery 36, from It can calculate depth of discharge (Δ Vbat)；And charging current Ibat.It should be noted that, it is preferable that Ibat comprise by The measurement result of the actual current that the source 56 in active charge path is provided, (passes through control signal with source 56 Itrim) the Iactive value being programmed into is contrary.This is for preferably as be programmed (Fig. 2) to source 56 To provide specific Iactive it cannot be guaranteed that this electric current is provided battery 36 by reality.If external charger 90 He When coupling between IMD 10 is poor especially true, provide the lowest to source 56 and program current can not be produced Vdc.The voltage drop in charging current sense resistor 58 can be sensed by using charging current detector 72 Measuring the actual Ibat in daily record 120, wherein charging current detector 72 generation can be by digitized simulation Signal CI (Fig. 2).

It should be noted that the Ibat in the parameter daily record 120 that capacity is relevant is without relating to during the relevant charging time of the meeting The data in trickle charge path (Itrickle).Because compared with Iactive, Itrickle is the most relatively low, its Contribution as the parameter relevant to battery capacity is inessential, the most negligible.This is lucky, because working as There is being difficult to accurately measure during notable trickle charge Itrickle, owing to Vbat is relatively low, therefore IMD 10 circuit Unreliable.

The persistent period of the charging time of the meeting (Tc) is also illustrated that at portion of district 120c.This can use the internal clocking of IMD Determine, as by the timestamp value reflection provided in daily record 120 alternatively.From charging interval Tc The total electrical charge (Cc) (Cc=Ibat*Tc) provided to battery during the charging time of the meeting can be provided.

Portion of district 120u illustrates the conventional electricity using (such as, providing treatment to patient) period with IMD 10 The parameter that tankage is relevant.As above-mentioned, the power (such as, Iload) that IMD 10 draws affects battery capacity, Thus 120u includes Iload.Though not shown, in 120u, also provide for cell voltage Vbat, its To provide the instruction (P=I*V) more really to drawn power, it also can be included in 120u as parameter In.Also provide for using the persistent period (Tu), can determine that total electrical charge (Cu) (Iload*Tu) from it.It should be noted that When IMD 10 runs, Iload is dynamic parameter, and when IMD 10 is to electrode 16 actual offer arteries and veins Punching these periods in significantly higher.Like this, the frequency of these pulses, persistent period and intensity will impacts (or determining to a great extent) Iload and Cu, it can represent scaled value or meansigma methods.Referring to, such as, In the U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/873,314 that 2013 JIUYUE is submitted on the 3rd.Can also be used in 2013 The technology disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/891,730 that October 16 submitted to is directly measured Iload.Although, for the sake of simplicity, the suggestion charging of timestamp in portion of district 120c and 120u and use time Between upper the most misaligned (noting staggered timestamp tx), but nonessential so because in charging period in the time of the meeting one As can be continuing with IMD 10.

Portion of district 120a only illustrates the age of IMD, as reflected by current time stamp.It should be noted that Some parameters (such as, Ibat, Iload) originated from battery management circuit 84 in daily record 120 can be led to Cross bus 88 and be sent to microprocessor 100 to be stored in daily record 120.

The ad hoc structure alterable of the parameter daily record 120 that capacity is relevant, and without comprising charging adjustment algorithm The 150 unified single structure used or files.Especially, if in IMD 10 due to some other reasons Record some parameters, then parameter can reside in IMD with different data structures, and it is only by algorithm 150 Inquiry.Algorithm 150 can additionally include calculate relevant parameter (such as, electric charge Cc, its be equal to Ibat*Tc) Ability, therefore daily record 120 without the facility for algorithm 150 these values of precomputation.

It should be noted that manufacturer's preference is submitted in the daily record 120 comprising parameter illustrated, and the most in the wrong Manufacturer's experience from the abrasion of the specific rechargeable battery 36 used in IMD.Therefore, manufacturer May think that some parameters shown in Fig. 5 A unrelated with battery capacity (or only there is less dependency), because of This daily record 120 may not include these parameters.Other manufacturer may think that unshowned additional parameter with Battery charging adjusts the most relevant, therefore can include this extra parameter.In short, as shown in Figure 5A Parameter included in the parameter daily record 120 that capacity is relevant is interpreted as only adjusting useful to battery charging One example of parameter.

As discussed in detail below, charging adjustment algorithm 150 by the parameter consulted in daily record 120 with at IPG10 Life-span in adjust charging current.Fig. 5 B illustrates the parameter that the data in daily record 120 are correlated with current capacities The form of 120 ' is aggregated thus is easier to for algorithm 150, its summarize parameter at current time for Described algorithm uses.Such as, it is provided that in the life-span of IMD, during charging, be applied to the total of battery 36 Electric charge Cc (tot), it comprises the sum of charge value Cc of portion of the district 120c from daily record 120.As shown in Figure 5 B, This adds up to electric charge currently to be represented by value Cc (tot) 2, and it can increase in time.Similarly, it is provided that IMD's Total electrical charge Cu (tot) consumed during use, it is currently represented by value Cu (tot) 2.In parameter current 120 ' Also providing for the total degree Nc that IMD has been electrically charged, as currently represented by Nc4, it will comprise daily record 120 The last value of Nc in portion of district 120c.There is provided average also by the single value in portion of district 120c is averaged Depth of discharge Δ Vbat (avg) and average charge and use electric current Ibat (avg) and Iload (avg).

Parameter Z that current capacities in daily record 120 ' is relevant comprises the electric charge (Cu (tot)) in use consumed Ratio with the electric charge (Cc (tot)) being applied to battery in charging.This parameter is relevant, and should be ideally Equal to 1, because the electric charge inputting battery in the case of not ging wrong should phase with on the charge theory that battery exports With.Certainly, the accurateness of this ratio depends on how to be precisely calculated total electrical charge.Even if while it is true, not Ideally measure total electrical charge, still can set up, for suitably operation, there is the benchmark of the IMD 10 of good electrical tankage Value Z.If the value of Z reduces in time, then this implies the electric charge of the increase being applied to battery during charging Do not used by the circuit in IMD, thus battery capacity problem can be there is, such as rechargeable battery 36 Leakage.

Parameter as included by daily record 120 submits to manufacturer's preference and experience, parameter current daily record 120 ' In included data and be also such from the make a summary mode of this data of daily record 120.In order to quote Simple examples, manufacturer is it is believed that less depth of discharge (Δ Vbat) and battery capacity and EOL algorithm 160 Operation unrelated, the meansigma methods from 120 ' therefore can be got rid of the value less than threshold value.Or, manufacturer can Can wish to include depth of discharge in history higher than the percent of time of this threshold value, current as in 120 ' Parameter.

Parameter current 120 ' is also possible to be not necessarily reflected in the whole data reflected in history of daily record.Such as, when When nearest data from daily record 120 determine, Ibat (avg), Iload (avg) and ratio Z are probably more relevant , the data that therefore can be used only in the daily record that nearest period, (such as month) occurred calculate.If The change that IMD 10 runs will affect battery capacity, the most only forefield of usage log 120 and can be particularly useful.

Parameter shown in Fig. 5 B only provides the example that can be used for illustrating disclosed technology.Current capacities is correlated with Parameter 120 ' part of daily record 120 can be comprised, or it is separate.And, can be as per the schedule Automatically update the parameter 120 ' that current capacities is relevant, or once run charging current algorithm 150, then it is entered Row calculates or updates.

Fig. 5 C illustrates an example in battery capacity data storehouse 122.It has been observed that battery capacity data storehouse 122 Comprise the parameter (or preferably, the parameter made a summary in daily record 120 ') in daily record 120 and battery capacity The data being associated.As indicated, how the particular value that data base 122 depicts parameter affects battery capacity. Such as, if the total electrical charge provided to battery during charging comprises value Cc (tot) 2 (or between Cc (tot) 2 He Value between Cc (tot) 3), then data base 122 reflects that battery capacity reduces 2%.It should be noted that and battery is held The impact of amount also can be reflected in the data base 122 using value except percent in addition to, although this paper in order to Ease of explanation employs percent.

As discussed, preferably, by IMD or battery manufacturers based on it to the parameters shadow to battery capacity The understanding rung determines the data in data base 122.Such as, the suitable percent in parameter Cc (tot) adjusts Determination in, once arrive Cc (tot) 1, Cc (tot) 2 etc., then manufacturer can experimentally determine or survey Amount battery capacity, and the correspondingly percent in setting data storehouse 122.

As shown in Fig. 5 C for the sake of simplicity, the relation between parameter value and percent in Fig. 5 C only reflects This parameter impact on battery capacity, and do not consider other parameter.Alternatively, although not shown, but More complicated multiparameter relation can be reflected.Such as, data base 122 can be reflected and depends on two or more The percent of parameter: such as, if Cc (tot)>A, but Iload (avg)<B, then percent is C%；Or Person, if Δ Vbat (avg) * Ibat (avg)=P (avg) > X, then percent is Y, etc..

It should be noted that the most parameters in battery capacity data storehouse 122 reflects that battery capacity is along with parameter Value increases and reduces (therefore for negative percent).But, and the most this situation, such as, for above-mentioned Ratio Z.Although additionally, illustrate that all parameters cause the reduction of battery capacity, but and not always this total situation, (especially when using different battery chemistries, or be given and how various parameters carried out because some parameters During Mathematical treatment) capacity may be caused to increase over (positive percent).

Additionally, battery capacity data storehouse 122 can include the weight about parameter or the data of priority, wherein When adjusting charging current, charging adjustment algorithm 150 applies these parameters according to these weights or priority. Such as, it can be seen that manufacturer thinks that the total electrical charge (Cc (tot)) in charging is the most notable for having battery capacity The parameter of impact.Therefore, (implying will be by algorithm in the case of not scaling to provide weight ' 1 ' to this parameter 150 consider completely), and give its limit priority.On the contrary, the averaged discharge degree of depth (Δ Vbat (avg)) quilt Think less important, therefore there is weight 0.5 and there is the 4th high priority.Equally, in data base 122 These weights and priority submit to manufacturer's preference and experience.

Before the operation in detail discussing charging algorithm 150, can have for trickle shown in Fig. 6 A-6F The amendment of the source controller 130 that the Rtrickle 140 in charge path is adjusted.Fig. 6 A is shown in micro-control Device 100 processed, specifically, the new control carried out by source controller 130 under the control of charging adjustment algorithm 150 The issue of signal Vp_en and Rtrim [n:0] processed.Control signal Rtrim [n:0] is for adjusting Rtrickle's 140 Impedance.In some instances, this adjustment is permanent, and is associated with Rtrickle 140 by blowing Fuse Fx (Fig. 6 C-6E) or antifuse AFx (Fig. 6 D, 6E) realize.It is also possible to use for Rtrickle Nondestructive and the reversible method (Fig. 6 F) being programmed.Control signal Vp_en is used for enabling electric charge Pump 135 is used for blowing the high voltage Vp of fuse Fx and antifuse with generation, or otherwise to Rtrickle The resistance of 140 is programmed.

Electric charge pump 135 is shown in detail in Fig. 6 B, and produces program voltage for the power supply from IPG 10 Vp, it can be Vbat.Electric charge pump 135 has conventional design.Clock generator 132 is used for producing clock letter NumberWithIt is out-phase, is therefore in high level at different time.Clock generator 132 can be from Producing these clock signals present in IPG 10 in system clock CLK, described clock also can be by microcontroller 100 and aforementioned ASIC receive.Electric charge pump 135 comprises substantial amounts of diode/capacitor level, wherein clock signalWithRaise respectively and be stored in the voltage on the capacitor in odd and even number level.Diode can prevent by Storage electric charge on the capacitor in electric charge pump 135 after increase to leakage, voltage the most at different levels.Use This electric charge pump, the program voltage Vp of generation will be for input voltage (such as, Vbat), the amount of clock signal The function of the threshold voltage drop at value, the quantity of the level used and diode two ends.It is alternatively used other High voltage generating circuit, including electric charge pump based on different capacitors, boost converter based on induction apparatus, Etc..Some in these circuit can Already in IPG 10 and for other purposes, and may not be used yet Time additionally serve as produce Vp.

Fig. 6 C illustrates an example of adjustable resistance Rtrickle 140.As indicated, Rtrickle comprises main resistor Device R, it can comprise 200 ohmic resistors discussed above in association with prior art.Many including connecting with R Individual level, the trimmer resistor Rx and fuse Fx of its each self-contained parallel coupled.Fuse Fx can have as integrated Conventional design used in circuit engineering, and can be formed in a number of different ways.Trimmer resistor Rx is smaller than main resistor R, and can comprise, such as, and 10 ohm.

As in the parameter daily record 120 that Iactive is relevant generally according to being stored in capacity within the life-span of IPG10 Parameter and reduce, Itrickle is generally also reduced by the operation of Rtrim control signal, because these phases Same parameter also will be prompted to permit the adjustment of Itrickle.In this, the new Rtrickle 140 in IPG 10 It is preferably at its minimum point, does not therefore have fuse Fx to be initially blown.Thus, walked around by fuse Fx Trimmer resistor Rx, and Rtrickle=R.In the various times, charging adjustment algorithm 150 can determine that and should adjust Whole (such as, increasing) Rtrickle 140.When this happens, described algorithm causes microcontroller 100 to pass through Bus 88 sends signal to source controller 130, itself so that conclude in Vp_en and control signal Rtrim One or more.

For example, it is assumed that charging adjustment algorithm 150 has determined that trimmer resistor R0 will be programmed to and main resistor R connects to increase Rtrickle 140.(as discussed further below, it is preferable that to Rtrickle's 140 This program out after present battery 36 is electrically charged.This can ensure that Vbat is sufficiently high right reliably to produce The necessary voltage of Rtrickle programming and control signal).Preferably, first source controller 130 will send control Signal Vp_en processed is to provide the time to produce suitable program voltage Vp to electric charge pump 135.Once set up Vp, then source controller 130 sends control signal Rtrim0 being associated with trimmer resistor R0.Such as Fig. 6 C Shown in, this control signal presents to be coupled to the transistor of fuse F0 both sides, its cause at F0 two ends in Existing Vp and ground connection are to be blown.Although (not shown, but Rtrim control signal level can be moved to Vp is to guarantee the suitable control to transistor.It should be noted that the pole, downstream two from Vdc forward bias to Vbat Pipe 52 (Fig. 4) can prevent Vbat to be shorted to ground connection in programming process).

Therefore, trickle charge path is no longer walked around trimmer resistor R0, the therefore resistance of Rtrickle 140 Increase to R+R0, thus reduce Itrickle.With the passing of time, as by charging adjustment algorithm 150 indication Showing, Rtrickle can increase to increase R1 (by blowing fuse F1 according to Rtrim1) further, etc.. Therefore, Rtrickle and Itrickle can be adjusted within the life-span of IPG10.Once it is programmed, then when actively control When making unreliable, this adjustment is passive, and non-dependent is in being asserted during trickle charge Control signal.

It should be noted that shown in Fig. 6 A-6C for adjust Itrickle means be only the most simply show Example, and many modifications may be made to.Such as, as shown in Figure 6 D, one or more in Rtrickle 140 Level can include the antifuse (AF) that can be programmed for short-circuit condition from open-circuit condition.Therefore, before programming, Antifuse AF is disconnected, and Rtrickle (R+RX) includes trimmer resistor RX.In programming After, antifuse walks around RX, and its resistance removes from Rtrickle subsequently.Noticing, this offer wherein can be at any time Between reduce the mode example of Rtrickle 140, by as described in algorithm 150 determine, or for other reason.

In another shown in Fig. 6 E shows increase example, by the one or more levels being in Rtrickle 140 Trimmer resistor is connected in parallel.As indicated, some in trimmer resistor are connected in series with fuse, and incite somebody to action Other is connected in series with antifuse.Therefore, before programming, will have trimmer resistor and the fine setting of fuse Resistor RY parallel coupled, thereby assists in the value making the resistance of level be decreased below RY.Volume to fuse Journey (opening) allows the all-in resistance of described level to increase, and the programming (short-circuit) to antifuse allows all-in resistance Reduce, therefore allow Rtrickle to increase or reduce, and allowing Itrickle to be decreased or increased respectively.

Fig. 6 F illustrates and wherein uses one or more grading to Rtrickle 140 of Nonvolatile memery unit Another example that row non-destructively programs.As indicated, the transistor with floating gate occurs in semifixed resistor On device.When concluding control signal Rtrim, control voltage is sent to transistor to allow by by negative charge It is programmed by storage on the floating gate with disconnection transistor (depletion-mode), or by removing floating gate On negative charge with connect transistor (enhancement mode) it is purged.Preferably, to floating gate transistors This control of pipe occurs to the journey that floating gate can control the operation of transistor during trickle charge passively Degree, and do not conclude transistor control signal, and the electricity no matter this transistor control signal may float to Pressure.It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that being supplied to floating gate incites somebody to action for the control voltage programmed or wipe Difference, and can be generated by different electric charge pumps.In short, by floating gate transistors is programmed, Trimmer resistor RZ can be included in Rtrickle, and Itrickle can be reduced.Brilliant by erasing floating gate Body pipe, can bypass trimmer resistor RZ, and can increase Itrickle.

Although it should be noted that the concern about the rechargeable battery life-span in battery capacity and prolongation IPG pushes away Move the disclosed adjustment to Rtrickle and Itrickle, the inventor believes that these adjust with himself Strength is novel.This is significant, because may want to come for reasons of unrelated with battery capacity item Adjust Itrickle or Rtrickle.In one example, it may be desirable to adjust Itrickle by Rtrickle, Because voltage produced by Vdc, i.e. front end charging circuit 96 (Fig. 2), may be different between patient. Vdc is according to coupling change between charge coil 92 and the charge coil 44 in IPG 10 of external charger 90 Changing, wherein said coupling is affected by the distance between coil, axial dipole field and angular variation.Referring to, example As, Patent Application Publication 2013/0096651.Because different patients have with the different degree of depth and angle Degree implant IPG, so Vdc between patient by difference.Have that shallower (good coupling) is implanted One patient will deposit higher Vdc than having the second patient that (bad coupling) is implanted relatively deeply, thus deposit more High Itrickle.Therefore, it can be effectively used for disclosed adjustment being used for trickle charge path to reduce first The baseline Itrickle electric current (by increasing Rtrickle) of patient, or increase the baseline Itrickle electricity of the second patient Stream (by reducing Rtrickle).In prior art (such as, Fig. 2), this adjustment is impossible, Because the resistance of trickle charge path (such as, resistor 50) uses non-adjustable in the manufacture process of IPG Whole assembly is preset.

Fig. 7 A illustrates the charging adjustment algorithm 150 in an example.As shown, it is preferable that no matter when fill The electricity time of the meeting starts, i.e. when IPG 10 senses and there is the Vdc being applicable to charging, then algorithm 150 starts Run.But, nonessential strict such.Alternatively, algorithm 150 can run (such as, one on schedule Individual month is once), therefore can only determine and whether permit to adjust on this timetable.Additionally, can be outside the charging time of the meeting Run or determine the some parts of algorithm 150.

If Vbat < Vt1=2.7V, then can perhaps use the elder generation at algorithm 150 such as aforementioned beginning trickle charge The Rtrickle 140 that front run duration adjusts, as will be explained below.Once after same amount of trickle charge Vbat > Vt1, if or initial Vbat > Vt1, then algorithm 150 prepares use source 56 and carries out active charge. Especially, the parameter 120 ' (figure that the parameter daily record 120 (Fig. 5 A) being correlated with to constant volume or current capacities are correlated with 5B), then algorithm 150 determines the value of optimal Iactive (and, if desired, Rtrickle) in this step. Then, parameter relevant for capacity and the data in battery capacity data storehouse 122 (Fig. 5 C) are compared with Determine Iactive and/or Rtrickle.Notice, determine that Iactive and Rtrickle occurs cell voltage wherein The highest (> 2.7) during point to guarantee can reliably occur this place in microcontroller 100 Reason.

Fig. 7 B illustrates that charging adjustment algorithm 150 can perform to determine how the sub-step adjusting Iactive further Suddenly.Algorithm 150 can begin at the hypothesis of the initial value (Iactive (init)) that will be used for Iactive.This It may be the value for Iactive (such as, 50mA) according to aforementioned prior art.

Algorithm 150 inquires about the value of the relevant parameter 120 ' of current capacities；If determining the most in advance and storing, then institute State algorithm and can determine this value from daily record 120 now.Then, as explained above, battery capacity number is used Determine that the percent for each the licensed battery capacity in these values changes according to storehouse 122.In order to Should be readily appreciated that process subsequently, the actual value of percent change is provided in figure 7b.Additionally, also can be from data Weight and the priority (if present) of parameters is retrieved in storehouse 122.

Now, algorithm 150 will determine the total percentage change being applied to Iactive (init), and enter data Row to determine that the process that this total percentage changes can occur in several different ways, Fig. 7 C illustrates described side Some in formula.Such as, algorithm 150 can only use maximum percent change (-7%), based on this capacity phase The parameter closed is maximum on the impact of battery capacity.Alternatively, algorithm 150 can to determined by percent carry out Summation (-28%) or average (-3.5%), thus consider the impact of parameters to a certain extent.

Alternatively, algorithm 150 can only consider percent that specific quantity (such as, X=3) the highest determine (-7, -6 ,-5%), and from analysis subsequently, abandon other relatively low percent all, because it is to battery capacity Affect the most small.Then, it has been observed that these residue percent can be sued for peace (-18%) or is averaged Value (-6%).Alternatively, can use the weight (if present) retrieved that these residue percents are added Power, and sue for peace (-9.2%).

Alternatively, algorithm 150 can only consider have Gao You determined by specific quantity (such as, X=3) , if if there are this data in the percent (-2 ,-7 ,-5%) of first level (1,2 and 3).Then, can be to this A little percents carry out suing for peace (-14%), average (-4.7%), or weight and sue for peace (-10.6%), as Mentioned above.

In another example, all percents determined can be weighted by algorithm 150, if there is this adding If flexible strategy evidence.Then, these gained weighting percent can be sued for peace (-14.1%).It is right that this can comprise Percent carries out the most preferably mode processed, because it is contemplated that all modes, wherein has less dependency The impact that total percentage is changed by the parameter that capacity is relevant is less.Alternatively, maximally related weighting percent can Considered (-5.6 ,-3 ,-2%) and summation (-10.6%) further.

For percent determined by process to reach to indicate the total percentage change of battery capacity overall variation All these alternative be respectively provided with some reasonable basis, and when being applied to adjust Iactive, wherein Any one life-span that auxiliary is slowed down IPG10 in the loss of battery capacity, although degree is different.Depend on In manufacturer's preference and experience, it is also possible to there is the alternate manner for processing the relevant parameter of capacity.

Once it is determined that total percentage change, then being applied to Iactive (init) should be by source 56 at IPG to determine The value of the Iactive that this point in the life-span produces, thus slow down the reduction of battery capacity.This is shown in for Fig. 7 C In Fig. 7 D of the various total percentages change described.Although the adjustment of Iactive shown in Fig. 7 D meet for Total percentage that rechargeable battery determines change (that is, with identical percent), it is noted that non-sternly Lattice need the one-to-one relationship of these percents, and can be to always before being applied to Iactive (init) Percent change performs other scale or process.

Returning Fig. 7 B, charging adjustment algorithm 150 now can be determined whether also should adjust Rtrickle.Can use with Carry out this adjustment for adjusting the identical total percentage change of Iactive, thus substantially attempt adjusting Itrickle is so that it is proportional to Iactive.For example, it is assumed that trickle charge path (includes Rtrickle 140 With diode 52 (Fig. 4)) all-in resistance be about 400 ohm.For the sake of simplicity, it is further assumed that such as Fig. 6 C Shown formation Rtrickle 140, it is allowed to Rtrickle increases.It is further assumed that the trimmer resistor at different levels can Total trickle charge path resistor is increased by 10 ohm, i.e. increase 2.5%.Along with total percentage change strides across this A little increments (that is ,-2.5% ,-5% ,-7.5% etc.), algorithm 150 can determine that and opens a way at the next one in time Level blows next fuse (such as, F0, F1, F2 etc.).In this way, Itrickle will roughly with Iactive is proportional.Noticing, algorithm 150 need not adjust Rtrickle in each charging time of the meeting, and real On border, it is desirable to a small amount of programming to Rtrickle only occurred during the life-span of IPG10, although this depends on The amount of each grade of adjustable resistance in Rtrickle 140 and the quantity of the level of use.

Algorithm 150 also not always can adjust Rtrickle according to the total percentage change that Iactive is used, Because the configuration that Rtrickle 140 is used may not perform this change.The meeting for example, it is assumed that previously charge The change of interim total percentage is confirmed as-3%, and now blows fuse F0 so that Rtrickle 14 increases 2.5%.If it is determined that single percent after a while is-1%, then can preferably reduce Rtrickle.But, if such as Configuration Rtrickle shown in Fig. 6 C, then resistance may not reduce (only increasing), and therefore algorithm 150 will retain The resistance of Rtrickle is constant.(noticing, the Rtrickle configuration of Fig. 6 D-6F will allow Rtrickle to reduce).

After determining Iactive and Rtrickle, and returning Fig. 7 A, charging adjustment algorithm 150 is then controlled Source 56 processed produces to be had for the charging current of value (after adjustment) determined by Iactive.It has been observed that This relates to microcontroller 100 and indicates source controller 130 to conclude that suitable Itrim controls letter by bus 88 Number.It should be noted that can be by using greater number of Itrim control signal (therefore, reference current maker electricity Greater number of level (Fig. 3 A) in road 113) in source 56, adjust Iactive with more fine resolution.

As shown in dotted line frame in Fig. 7 A, charging adjustment algorithm 150 it is also possible to consider determined by Iactive whether Be in limit, and optional off limits at this do not adjust Iactive, though total percentage change prompting this It is also such that sample does.Such as, algorithm 150 may not allow to enter higher or lower than Iactive to greatest extent Row sum-equal matrix.Such as, algorithm 150 may not allow to set up Iactive > 100mA, because source 56 may not This charging current is provided, or because this charging current will damage IPG or dangerous.Alternatively, example As, algorithm 150 may not allow Iactive < 8mA, because charging may too not under the level less than this Important (and causing the longer time in the charging time of the meeting), so that being slowed down battery capacity by what algorithm 150 provided The benefit reduced is by these actual consideration item heavily mistakes.

With continued reference to Fig. 7 A, by source 56 with determined by Iactive battery 36 is carried out active charge, and And along with Vbat increases, will finally provide constant-potential charge, as explained above.(the Vbat when battery is full of =Vmax=4.2V), charging stops.

Now, if desired, charging adjustment algorithm 150 adjusts Rtrickle according to its value determined more in early days, i.e. Make described algorithm run duration more in early days trickle charge to have occurred be also such.In other words, in order to The benefit in the next charging time of the meeting, adjusts Rtrickle (thus adjusting Itrickle).In algorithm 150 now Adjusting Rtrickle is preferably as battery 36 is filled now, so in the programming to Rtrickle 140 The operation (Fig. 6 A-6F) of involved circuit (including electric charge pump 135) should most preferably and the most reliable.Therefore, If as aforementioned and possible, it is suitable that microcontroller 100 indicates source controller 130 to conclude by bus 88 Rtrim control signal is to be programmed Rtrickle.Equally, if Rtrickle is in minimum or to greatest extent Outward, algorithm 150 is optional does not adjust Rtrickle.

The shown order that it should be noted that step performed in charging adjustment algorithm 150 is only example, and energy Enough in the way of not affecting its whole result, disclosed order is changed.Additionally, the most all of step Suddenly it is requisite, and may also include other step.

During the charging time of the meeting that time ta, tb and tc that Fig. 8 was generally shown in the IPG10 life-span occurs such as The operation of the improvement charging circuit 180 controlled by charging adjustment algorithm 150, to produce by serious drain The charging current (Ibat) of the function as the time that battery 36 is received.In this example, for the sake of simplicity, Usually assume that the parameter that capacity is relevant reduces charging current to keep electricity by generally permitting within the life-span of IPG10 Tankage also thus extends life-span of IPG.It is therefore seen that, by the operation of algorithm 150, Itrickle Both of which is in time for (being produced by Rtrickle by trickle charge path) and Iactive (being produced by source 56) And reduce.Therefore, as depicted, this can extend the time necessary to full battery 36 and charge mode becomes Required time when changing (between trickle charge, constant current charge and constant-potential charge), this be because of For reducing due to charging current Itrickle and Iactive, Vbat will increase the most lentamente.It is noted, however, that The prolongation in this charging interval can have been relaxed, this meeting by the minimizing of the battery capacity occurred with the passing of time Occur, its speed although technology disclosed in the application of the invention has slowed down always.

Although disclosing charging adjustment algorithm 150 to can be effectively used for adjusting Iactive and Itrickle, but It should be noted that described algorithm only to can be used for and adjust one of charging current.It practice, non-critical requires to include trickle Charge path, as above with reference to U.S. Provisional Patent Application case 61/928, discussed in 342.

Although disclose as from microcontroller 100 to the step of source controller 130 occur to charging circuit 180 Control, but nonessential employing this distinguish control method.Alternatively, for charging circuit 180 Control circuit, including being able to carry out the circuit of algorithm 150, is alternately integrated in other IMD design, Such as, it is positioned on single integrated circuit.Charging circuit 180 itself also can be integrated with this control circuit, example As, aforementioned ASIC.

Claims (40)

1., for a circuit for armarium, comprise:

Rechargeable battery；

Control circuit, it is configured to determine the capacity of described battery；And

Source circuit, it is configured to provide charging current to described battery；

Wherein, described control circuit is configured to control described source circuit with battery capacity determined by basis Adjust the value of described battery charge.

2. circuit as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described control circuit comprises:

Memorizer, its be configured to store the capacity on described rechargeable battery tool influential at least one Parameter, wherein, at least one parameter described is one or more parameter group that choosing freedom is relevant to the following The group become: previously charging, the armarium of battery are in order to provide the year of the previously used for the treatment of and battery Age；

Algorithm, wherein said control circuit is configured to perform described algorithm to use at least one parameter described Determine the capacity of described battery.

3. circuit as claimed in claim 2, wherein, at least one parameter described stores with the function of time In which memory.

4. circuit as claimed in claim 2, wherein, at least one parameter described is stored as described algorithm The currency used.

5. the circuit as according to any one of claim 2-4, wherein, at least one parameter described include from In at least one other ginseng that the previously used period of previously charging or the described armarium of described battery measures The value calculated in number.

6. the circuit as according to any one of claim 2-4, wherein, with the elder generation of described rechargeable battery The parameter that front charging is relevant comprises: the electricity of battery when previously the quantity in the charging time of the meeting, the previous charging time of the meeting start Pressure, persistent period in the voltage of battery, previously the charging time of the meeting at the end of the previously charging time of the meeting, previously charged meeting The electric charge that theres is provided to battery during phase, comprise the previously charging time of the meeting start and at the end of the putting of cell voltage difference The electricity degree of depth and the battery charge provided to battery during the previously charging time of the meeting.

7. the circuit as according to any one of claim 2-4 or 6, wherein, with armarium in order to provide The previously used relevant parameter for the treatment of comprises: the voltage of previously used period rechargeable battery, previously made Power that the load current pulled out from battery with period, previously used period pull out from battery, the continuing of use The electric charge that time and previously used period pull out from battery.

8. the circuit as according to any one of claim 2-7, comprises further: battery capacity data storehouse, At least one parameter described is associated, wherein by wherein said battery capacity data storehouse with the change of battery capacity The change of at least one parameter described with the capacity in battery capacity data storehouse is compared with really by described algorithm The capacity of fixed described battery.

9. the circuit as according to any one of claim 2-8, described algorithm be configured to by generate for Control one or more control signals of described source circuit to adjust the value of described battery charge.

10. the circuit as according to any one of claim 2-9, wherein, described memorizer comprises further: Each weight or priority at least one parameter, wherein said algorithm be configured to use described at least The weight of one parameter or priority or both determine the capacity of described battery.

11. circuit as according to any one of claim 1-10, wherein, described source circuit comprises: electric current Reflecting mirror, it is configured to produce battery charge according to the reference current received.

12. circuit as claimed in claim 11, wherein, described control circuit is configured to by using institute State one or more control signal and adjust the value of described reference current to adjust the amount of described battery charge Value.

13. circuit as according to any one of claim 1-12, comprise: front-end circuit further, its quilt Being configured to when receiving wireless charging electric field generate D/C voltage, wherein, described source circuit is by described DC electricity Pressure power supply.

14. circuit as claimed in claim 13, wherein, described front-end circuit comprises further: coil, It is configured to by described wireless charging field excitation；And rectifier circuit, it is configured to be swashed from described The coil encouraged produces D/C voltage.

15. circuit as according to any one of claim 1-14, wherein, if described algorithm is configured to really The capacity of fixed described rechargeable battery reduces the value then reducing described battery charge.

16. 1 kinds of methods recharging the rechargeable battery of armarium, comprise:

Determine the capacity of described rechargeable battery；And

The battery charge that the capacity adjustment of rechargeable battery determined by according to provides to described battery Value.

17. methods as claimed in claim 16, wherein, described armarium comprises further: memorizer, It is configured to store the capacity on described rechargeable battery and has at least one parameter influential, Qi Zhongsuo Stating at least one parameter is the group that one or more parameters that choosing freedom is relevant to the following form: battery Previously charging, armarium in order to provide the age of the previously used for the treatment of and battery；And

Wherein, the capacity of described battery determines according at least one parameter described.

18. methods as claimed in claim 17, wherein, with the phase of previously charging of described rechargeable battery The parameter closed comprises: the previously quantity in the charging time of the meeting, the voltage of battery time previously the charging time of the meeting starts, previously At the end of the charging time of the meeting during the persistent period in the voltage of battery, previously the charging time of the meeting, the previously charging time of the meeting to Electric charge that battery provides, comprise the previously charging time of the meeting start and at the end of cell voltage difference depth of discharge, And the battery charge provided to battery during the previously charging time of the meeting.

19. methods as described in claim 17 or 18, wherein, with armarium in order to provide treatment Previously used relevant parameter comprises: the voltage of previously used period rechargeable battery, previously used period The power that pulls out from battery from the load current of battery pull-out, previously used period, previously used lasting time Between and the electric charge that pulls out from battery of previously used period.

20. methods as according to any one of claim 17-19, wherein, described armarium wraps further Containing: battery capacity data storehouse, at least one parameter described is associated, wherein by it with the change of battery capacity Described method is by carrying out the change of at least one parameter described with the capacity in described battery capacity data storehouse Relatively determine the capacity of described rechargeable battery.

21. methods as according to any one of claim 16-20, comprise further: receiving wireless charging Generating D/C voltage during electric field, wherein said D/C voltage provides electric power to provide described battery charge.

22. methods as claimed in claim 21, wherein, described D/C voltage is to be generated by front-end circuit, Described front-end circuit comprises further: coil, and it is configured to by described wireless charging field excitation；And it is whole Stream device circuit, it is configured to generate D/C voltage from described energized coil.

23. methods as according to any one of claim 16-22, wherein, however, it is determined that described rechargeable electricity The capacity in pond reduces, then reduce the value of described battery charge.

24. methods as according to any one of claim 16-23, wherein, described battery charge is by source Circuit is along active charge coordinates measurement, and wherein, adjusts described battery by the described source circuit of control and fill The value of electricity electric current.

25. methods as according to any one of claim 16-24, wherein, along the passive trickle comprising resistance Charge path provides described battery charge to described battery, and wherein, comes by adjusting described resistance Adjust the value of described battery charge.

26. methods as according to any one of claim 16-25, wherein, in the use of described armarium Described method is performed a plurality of times to adjust the value of described battery charge in life-span.

27. 1 kinds, for the battery charger of armarium, comprise:

Rechargeable battery；

Front-end circuit, it is configured to when receiving wireless charging electric field generate D/C voltage；

Passive trickle charge path between described D/C voltage and described battery, it is configured to first Battery charge is sent to described battery, and wherein said trickle charge path comprises resistance；And

Control circuit, it is configured to adjust described resistance.

28. circuit as claimed in claim 27, wherein, described control circuit is further configured to perform Algorithm, wherein said algorithm is configured to determine the capacity of described rechargeable battery.

29. circuit as claimed in claim 28, wherein, described algorithm is further configured to: according to institute The battery capacity determined adjusts described resistance.

30. circuit as claimed in claim 28, wherein said algorithm is configured to if it is determined that described rechargeable The capacity of electricity battery reduces and then increases described resistance.

31. circuit as described in any of claims 28, comprise: memorizer further, and it is configured One-tenth storage capacity tool at least one parameter influential on described rechargeable battery, wherein said at least one Individual parameter is the group of one or more parameters composition that choosing freedom is relevant to the following: previously filling of battery Electricity, armarium are in order to provide the age of the previously used for the treatment of and battery.

32. circuit as claimed in claim 31, wherein said algorithm is configured at least one described in use Parameter determines the capacity of described rechargeable battery.

33. circuit as claimed in claim 32, comprise: battery capacity data storehouse further, wherein said At least one parameter described is associated by battery capacity data storehouse with the change of battery capacity, and wherein said The change of at least one parameter described with the capacity in battery capacity data storehouse is compared to determine institute by algorithm State the capacity of battery.

34. circuit as according to any one of claim 27-33, wherein, described resistance is by multiple resistance Device level forms.

35. circuit as claimed in claim 34, wherein, described control circuit is configured to by by described Resistor stages is programmed for including or not included in adjusting described resistance in described resistance.

36. circuit as claimed in claim 35, wherein, described resistor stages is programmed devastatingly.

37. circuit as according to any one of claim 27-36, wherein, described trickle charge path enters one Step comprises from described D/C voltage at least one diode of described battery forward bias.

38. circuit as according to any one of claim 27-37, comprise further: between described DC electricity Active charge path between pressure and described battery, it is configured to transmit the second battery charging to described battery Electric current.

39. circuit as claimed in claim 38, wherein, described active charge path comprises further: use In the source circuit generating described second battery charge.

40. circuit as claimed in claim 39, wherein, enable when the voltage of described battery is higher than threshold value Described source circuit is to generate described second battery charge.